RD Axel Sandin Pellikka - Skellefteå, SHL (2023, 17th, DET)

newfy

Registered User
Jul 28, 2010
15,064
8,898
With his track record already as a high pick, top damn at the WJC etc... how long does he have to keep this season going like this before people talk about him as a top 5 or 10 prospect in the world?
 

MichaelFarrell

Registered User
Aug 29, 2016
2,661
3,677
Pittsburgh, PA
In the 1st official game of the World Juniors:

Team Slovaqia: 16 shots,2 goals
Axel Sandin Pelikka (a defensemen): 12 shots 3 goals

lol.
He’s too good for this level. I don’t know how much impact he’ll have in the NHL, but he’s certainly too good to be playing at the World Juniors imo. Looks like a man among boys.
 

Petes2424

Registered User
Aug 4, 2005
8,557
3,427
He was the best player on the ice. Not sure how anyone would even attempt arguing that, but it is an internet message board.

For those who haven’t seen him over the last year, you’ll notice he has a little more nastiness he’s added to his stick work, and he’s obviously physically stronger, but his overall ability to “think the game” is just above and beyond. Which is exactly why it’s hard to see him not becoming a really good NHLer.

Craig Button kept referencing Sergei Zubov as a comparison, and with his shot from the circle, absolutely. I’ve maintained he’s closer to Letang than anyone else, but Zubov is a very good comparison when you add how dangerous his shot is, and that little bit of nastiness I mentioned.

Sweden’s gonna be tough when 6 of their 7 dmen are drafted NHL prospects, and a few of them are so highly regarded. Thought Willinder and Epstein were both solid as well, but Sandin-Pellikka was clearly on a different level than any other player in that game.

Looks very much like someone who won’t be playing in the AHL much, if at all.
 

Our Lady Peace

Registered User
Aug 12, 2014
3,440
3,348
BC
He was the best player on the ice. Not sure how anyone would even attempt arguing that, but it is an internet message board.

For those who haven’t seen him over the last year, you’ll notice he has a little more nastiness he’s added to his stick work, and he’s obviously physically stronger, but his overall ability to “think the game” is just above and beyond. Which is exactly why it’s hard to see him not becoming a really good NHLer.

Craig Button kept referencing Sergei Zubov as a comparison, and with his shot from the circle, absolutely. I’ve maintained he’s closer to Letang than anyone else, but Zubov is a very good comparison when you add how dangerous his shot is, and that little bit of nastiness I mentioned.

Sweden’s gonna be tough when 6 of their 7 dmen are drafted NHL prospects, and a few of them are so highly regarded. Thought Willinder and Epstein were both solid as well, but Sandin-Pellikka was clearly on a different level than any other player in that game.

Looks very much like someone who won’t be playing in the AHL much, if at all.
Offensively, I've thought that once the ice gets smaller he has had no problem generating offense. Even in the the SHL the way he picks spots with and without the puck in the tightest of spaces is second to none. Gets passes and shots off in a blink of an eye with precision

The scenario where I see him starting in the AHL is cleaning up his remaining defensive shortcomings when the ice is smaller but more importantly the rush and the forecheckers are bigger, faster, and harder to contain. With that being said, he has come a long way since 2023 and continues to learn and adapt in those regards

His development arc continues to be absolutely bonkers
 

Hierso

Time to Rock
Oct 2, 2018
1,377
1,248
He’s too good for this level. I don’t know how much impact he’ll have in the NHL, but he’s certainly too good to be playing at the World Juniors imo. Looks like a man among boys.

Worst case for Detroit is that he spends a year in AHL to adapt for a smaller rink. With the roster that Detorit has he shouldn't have any real trouble getting in imo.
 

Hazy Little Thing

Registered User
Jan 19, 2022
699
605
He was the best player on the ice. Not sure how anyone would even attempt arguing that, but it is an internet message board.

For those who haven’t seen him over the last year, you’ll notice he has a little more nastiness he’s added to his stick work, and he’s obviously physically stronger, but his overall ability to “think the game” is just above and beyond. Which is exactly why it’s hard to see him not becoming a really good NHLer.

Craig Button kept referencing Sergei Zubov as a comparison, and with his shot from the circle, absolutely. I’ve maintained he’s closer to Letang than anyone else, but Zubov is a very good comparison when you add how dangerous his shot is, and that little bit of nastiness I mentioned.

Sweden’s gonna be tough when 6 of their 7 dmen are drafted NHL prospects, and a few of them are so highly regarded. Thought Willinder and Epstein were both solid as well, but Sandin-Pellikka was clearly on a different level than any other player in that game.

Looks very much like someone who won’t be playing in the AHL much, if at all.
The developmental curves of Willander and ASP are fun to follow. Obviously a few years away from finding out what was the best path. Willander learning the NA game but playing against weak competition in the aggregate. ASP playing against top non-NHL competition and dominating but obviously not learning the NA game.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kaners PPGs

Ad

Upcoming events

Ad

Ad